Aladdin Kit Homes – A Little History

In Birmingham England there is a bit of Americana that you might never guess. 200 Kit Homes from Aladdin Homes of Bay City, Michigan sit in a cluster. Built during World War II, the English have placed these homes in the British Historic Register.

I came across this photo of a 1917 ad while looking through an interesting site, Vintage Ad Brower, that has over 100 years of advertisements. It started me on a search to learn more about Aladdin Homes.

In 1917, you could buy the kit home below for $687. Aladdin began business in 1906 when two brothers figured that if boats could be built from a kit, so could homes. Over the ensuing 77 years, Aladdin sold over 50,000 home kits.

1917 Aladdin Home Kit

Over 450 home styles were available from the Aladdin catalog at their peak. The home kits came with simple instructions and number pieces that the company claimed could be assembled in a day. They also provided details instructions on how to built a foundation or basement.

I haven’t been able to determine if any Daytona Beach homes were built from Aladdin kits. I would sure like to see the results. Well, maybe next time I’m in Birmingham.

Sears, Roebuck & Company were also in this business from 1916 until 1940, but took a beating during the depression when home owners could not pay back the mortgage money that Sears loan them. Unlike most corporations today, Sears absorbed the losses because they didn’t want to appear as an evil corporation. When they continued sales without loaning money, the business stalled.

There are a number of Sears kit homes in the community named Bungalow Park which is in Daytona Beach in the area US1 and Fairview Avenue.

Interesting.

Photo Friday – Northern Volusia County Peaceful Sunrise

Welcome to Photo Friday. This is a new feature where we highlight scenes of life in the Daytona Beach area. We have quite a few photos queued up, so this will be a regular Friday feature.

This photo was taken at 6:30 a.m. this morning off of Highbridge Road north of Ormond Beach and south of Flagler Beach. Highbridge Road can be accessed from A1A or John Anderson Drive. The bridge spans the Halifax River that is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Highbridge Park sits at the southeast side of the bridge. There is a boat ramp and fishing walkway at the bridge. Manatees can sometimes be seen at the park.

There is a lot of water in the area. People fishing are often seen on the many access points to the water. This is a beautiful scenic drive any time of day. A really nice drive is to start at go north on Beach Street off of Granada Blvd. SR 40) in Ormond Beach and travel up the Canopy Road. Beach Street turns into Old Dixie Highway. Continue on to Walter Boardman Lane and turn right. From there turn right at the Stop Sign on to High Bridge. Take your time. The speed limit is low, but you really will want to take your time. It’s simply beautiful.

Here’s a link to the map if you’re interested in making the drive:

View Larger Map

Owning Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach Homes has a lot of benefits. Check back often for more photo adventures in Daytona Beach.

40 Artists On Display on January 25th at Lulu’s

It’s been cold. My dogs look at me like it’s my fault. I need a break and maybe you do too. My friend Jimmy Harper of 508 Art Gallery in Ormond Beach has put together an art show with about 40 local artists this coming Sunday at Lulu’s in Ormond on the beachside.

Lulu’s has great food, and get this – a heated patio. There’s also inside dining.

Jimmy put’s on a great show and if you haven’t been to one his shows, this is a great opportunity to go and meet him. Yes, the art work will be for sale. Prices vary, but there are some very nice pieces at great prices.

Lulu’s is located at the southwest corner of AIA and Granada Blvd. behind the CVS store. The show will run from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, so come for brunch, lunch or an early dinner and check out the art show.

I’ll be there, but I will be showing some Daytona Beach condos some time during the day, so I don’t know exactly when. I’m hoping for warmer weather, but either way it should be a good time. I hope to see you there.

Note: Original art work by James Harper, all rights reserved.

Dimitri’s Added to Restaurant Recommendations

We love Greek food. We’ve been sorely missing a nice place to go to for some gyro and Greek specialties. Well, after a tough closing today, we stopped for lunch at Dimitri’s in South Daytona and had a really good gyro sandwich.

The gyro sandwich was great and packed full of meat seasoned to perfection. Dimitri’s is a very nice sandwich place that you should try out if you love Greek food.

We’ll be going back often for some Gyro. They also have mousaka, pastitso, and dolmades on the menu and a host of sandwiches. We may try the some of the rest of the menu, but it will be tough not ordering the gyro again.

Dimitri’s is located at 2450 South Ridgewood (US1) in South Daytona. Give it a try. For more on Dimitri’s and more recommendations, check out our Daytona Beach Restaurant Recommendations.

I offer these recommendations because in my travels around the area helping Daytona Beach real estate buyers and sellers, I get to stop at a lot of places to lunch and dinner. I offer up recommendations on some of my favorite places.  Enjoy.

Hurricane Gustav Will Make Landfall on Labor Day – Please Consider Helping

Hurricane Katrina didn’t directly affect Daytona Beach, but we were all affected in the days, weeks, and months afterward. It’s been three years since Katrina and now Gustav is forecasted to make landfall west of New Orleans tomorrow.

Evacuations are underway and most people will be out of the city and the surrounding communities when Gustav hits. It’s what happens afterward that’s important for us in the Daytona Beach area.

I hope with all my heart that the storm turns out to much less powerful than forecasts. If it does hit, we need to be prepared. We Americans have big hearts and when needed we step up and help. You and I will be asked to support the people affected by the storm. I plan to help in the best way possible.

The American Red Cross is always at the forefront of disaster assistance. They are among the first on scene and know where to send aid. Here is a message from their website:

“The Red Cross is closely monitoring Hurricane Gustav’s track. We’ve moved staff, volunteers, vehicles and supplies into multiple states in preparation. We must respond before disaster strikes, which means being ready with the right resources, in the right place, at the right time.”

You can donate at the Red Cross here. Please, if you can, donate right now on line and your money will be put to work immediately. I just donated a few minutes ago. Please, pull out your credit card and donate. The donation can be as little as $10, but if everyone in Daytona Beach would do that, well you get the idea.

If you own property that is not rented and might be available, please consider making that property available to displaced residents of the disaster area – if it’s necessary. There will be government payments available, if it’s like Katrina.

Thanks for helping.

Mainland’s Phil Dalhausser Wins Beach Volleyball Gold Medal

It’s hard to believe that a small town like Daytona Beach has two Olympic gold medalist. Just a few minutes ago, Mainland grad and Ormond Beach resident Phil Dalhausser won the Olympic gold in beach volleyball. He and his partner Todd Rogers beat a Brazilian team for the gold.

Phil is known as “the thin beast” and man was he a beast in the third set. The exhausted Brazilians were no match for Phil as he blocked shot after shot. His partner said in an interview after the match that he just watched.

It was exciting match that was even after two sets. There was no doubt about the final set though. Dalhausser started blocking the Brazilian’s spikes early and often. The final set score was 15-4 which is a total drubbing in this sport. Congratulations Phil and Todd.

Our other gold medalist, Ryan Lochte won two gold medals in swimming. One in a relay, and an individual gold medal in the 200 meter backstroke.

So, in the middle of Tropical Storm / Hurricane Fay, on the other side of the world, Daytona Beach athlete win our third gold medal of the 2008 Olympic. Pretty Cool!

Daytona Beach Swim Star Winds 200M Backstroke Olympic Gold Medal

Spruce Creek High School graduate and University of Florida swim star was already an Olympic Champion in relays, but winning the individual Gold in the 200M backstroke over teammate Aaron Piersol, the 2004 Olympic Champion must be very special.

Ryan had no time to celebrate though. He will get into the pool again against Michael Phelps to swim the 200M individual medley final. He has about 30 minutes between races.

The 200M backstroke was an exciting race and close to the end. Ryan won the race with a great final turn.

The Olympics come home when someone from our town competes. To me, that’s exceptional. But, for a local athlete to win a gold medal is amazing. All the athletes train hard and devote so much time to reaching world class level.

Congratulations to all the competitors, but to hometown athlete Ryan Lochte, congratulations and thanks for the thrills. The Lochte family is a swin family. Both parents have coached Ryan. Congratualtions to the Lochte family.

Daytona Beach Mainland High School graduate Phil Dalhausser and teammate Todd Rogers have advanced to the next round in Beach Volleyball. They are favorites to win the gold medal. Good luck guys.

Art Show in Ormond Beach

Selling Daytona Beach homes is a great way to meet people and make friends. I’ve always been interested in art, especially paintings. I really like going to the local art events and there’s usually an event or two every month. My friend Jimmy Harper, of 508 Art Gallery, is sponsoring and hosting an event at La Crepe En Haut on August 28th. Jimmy sent me the notice below.

I’ll be there. Why not stop in and support local artists?

“C’EST SI BON”
AN ART AFFAIR

La Crepe en Haut Restaurant is hosting an artists’ reception with a French/Cajun theme Thursday, August 28th, from 5-9pm

Works by some of Central Florida’s premiere and emerging artists will be on display and for sale that evening and throughout the month of September.

Cajun inspired hor d’oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar & drink specials.  Musician Paul Kiwala will be performing. Dinner reservations are recommended.

The Shops of Fountain Square will have extended hours that evening.

142 East Granada Blvd, (beachside)
Ormond Beach

This event is free, open to the public, and sponsored by  508 Art Gallery and Equity Closing and Title.

For more info on event, call 386-671-2920 or go to www.508artgallery.com

For dinner reservations,call 386-673-1999

Tickets will also be on sale for Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre’s “Green” show – a full length professional modern dance performance devoted to the green movement  being held September 5 and 6th at the News Journal Center or  call 386.366.5108 for tickets for SCDT’s “Green” show.

In Search of the Perfect Mai Tai

A few years ago, my husband Michael and I went to Hawaii for a wonderful vacation. We had a great time and we were introduced to the Hawaiian or Traditional Mai Tai. After coming back, we had a lot of trouble finding anyone who could make this drink. Well, years later, we believe we have uncovered the secret. The Mai Tai is believed to have originated at Trader Vic’s.

Now, Daytona Beach is not quite the tropics, but hey, it’s close enough. The video below will show you exactly how to make the Perfect Mai Tai.

I’ll tell you, there are some days after dealing with the Daytona Real Estate market, that this drink just melts the stress away. At our holiday party last year, Michael made 4 pitchers using this Mai Tai recipe. He would have made more, but ran out of Curacao. I hope you enjoy.

Will Gambling Cure Florida’s Revenue Problems?

Problems, Problems, Problems

What are foreclosures, gas prices and general economic contraction doing to Florida’s tax revenues? Consider that with no state income tax, most of the revenue comes from sales tax, tourist taxes and property taxes for local municipalities. Talk about a triple-whammy.

Foreclosures and declining home values are killing the tax base. Local communities are suffering from lost taxes. When people don’t pay their mortgage, they don’t pay their taxes. Further, property values are falling so the overall tax base is declining. Then there is little building going on, so no free money in the form of impact fees.

High gas prices mean less travel and less spending when people do travel. Less revenue from the 11% tourist tax and less sales tax on goods that are not purchased.

Gambling or State Income Tax?

The certainty in my mind is that politicians will find more money before they really cut spending. Their power is rooted in spending. Given the alternatives of state income tax or gambling, what would you choose? More importantly, what will the voter’s choose?

Not an easy answer. I figure that many retirees will vote against gambling and for state income tax. They don’t work so the income tax doesn’t affect their pocketbook directly. Gambling is seen by many for its problems.

Those who are working are more likely to vote for gambling. Gambling brings in revenues and increases home values. Can you imagine what would happen to Daytona Beach homes and condos prices if gambling was legalized in Daytona Beach?

What are the Alternatives?

I’ve watched for years as Florida has chased tourist dollars without building a serious economic base. Betting on tourism and rising property values, the state and local communities were gambling big time. Tourism is cyclical and the competition is intense. As for property values, well we know that didn’t quite work out.

I don’t mind going on record in support of gambling in Daytona Beach. Yes, it will change our town, but, I fear the change coming from not adopting gambling more. What do you think?